Gypsophila Flowers

White Gypsophila Flowers For Wedding

Name : Gypsophila Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Gypsophila, (Gypsophilia elegans)
Gypsophila Description

Gypsophila is commonly known as Baby's-breath in the United States, "Soap Wort" in the United Kingdom and is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. Other common names for Gypsophila include "Gyp", “Gypsy", "Million Star" and "Diamond Spray". The genus derives its name from the fact that many species are found on calcium-rich soils, including gypsum. The botanical name Gypsophila translates to "lover of chalk", which is accurate in describing the plant’s preference of soil. Gypsophila was first cultivated in Britain in 1759; today it is a successful commercial cut flower crop of the country.

Gypsophila varieties are hardy, herbaceous annuals and perennials that vary in height from 5cm to 120 cm. Gypsophila or Baby's Breath is a tender, delicate plant with tiny, bell-shaped flowers in large inflorescences, which may be either dense or open and lax. Each individual flower is about half an inch across, with five petals. Gypsophila leaves are linear lance shaped and about 2-3 inches in length.

Gypsophila propagates easily from seed, by cuttings, or by root division before growth starts in the spring. Gypsophilas are quick bloomers, germination takes ten to fifteen days, after which Gypsophilas grow rapidly up to 50 cm in height. Gypsophilas prefer full to partial sun and rich, light and well-drained soil. Deficiencies in soil constitution can be overcome by adding a general purpose fertilizer. Gypsophila blooms from April through August in the garden, whereas this beautiful flower is available all year round as a cut flower.

Baby’s Breath is commonly white in colour but varieties are also available in pink and pale shades of cream.

Baby's breath lightens up your garden with its generously flowered branches and does well in borders, rock gardens. You could use it to accentuate other brightly coloured flowers like roses.

Baby’s Breath is an unbeatable choice for all sorts of flower arrangements. Two common and dwarf varieties popularly used in arrangements are "baby's breath" and "million star". As a cut flower, Gypsophila is a long-lasting flower. With proper care it can last 7-10 days in the vase. It is an ideal choice for dried arrangements as well. Initially Gypsophila was seen only as a filler flower, but that image has changed and now one can find this lovely angelic flower as the centre of wedding themes and as an attractive Christmas theme flower due to the white and green combination provided by the heavily flowered branches and green foliage, add a little red and you have the perfect centre piece for your Christmas dinner. All in all, this delicate and airy flower is a classic choice for bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages.

The most popular variety of gypsophila is commonly known as Million Star. New Love and Party Time are also famous varieties. Other varieties include Gypsophilia elegans, a tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms; Gypsophilia muralis which is ideal for borders and bedding; Gypsophilia paniculata or Baby's Breath which is a popular filler and mass flower in bouquets and Gypsophilia repens, a low-growing perennial for borders and rock gardens.

Gypsophila Meaning

In accordance with its angelic beauty and colour, the lovely Baby’s Breath or Gypsophila symbolises Ever Lasting Love, Constancy, A Pure Heart, Festivity, Happiness, Innocence, and Sincerity. It is also associated with the meaning, The Breath of the Holy Spirit.

Gypsophila Mythology